Kolín wants to repair the water tower and make it accessible to the public

Kolín - Kolín is preparing the next phase of the renovations of the former water tower, which recently became a cultural monument. The town hall intends to apply for a grant through which the tower would be completely reconstructed and made accessible to the general public. Martin Tichý, the head of the Kolín Department of Regional Development and Urban Planning, told ČTK this.
    Two years ago, the city already renovated the Kolín water tower, aiming primarily to prevent further deterioration of the structure and to ensure its stability. Now, the tower is to undergo a complete reconstruction, making it accessible to the public for sightseeing and for sitting with refreshments on the gallery. The platform should also be accessible to people with disabilities. An interactive screen will be installed in the ground floor areas, which via cameras from the tower will provide views of the surroundings to those who cannot climb the stairs to the observation deck.
    Currently, project preparation is underway, with estimated renovation costs at around 12 million crowns. "We will try to utilize resources from both the state budget and European funds, if possible," Tichý said. The water tower is expected to be illuminated again after the renovations. From the tower, which became a technical cultural monument in 2010, one will have a view of the nearby Štítarské údolí reserve or the TPCA car factory in Ovčáry near Kolín.
    New benches, bicycle racks, and cycling signage will be added around the water tower. The areas of the tower are to feature historical photographs of Kolín or works by students from local schools. The tower is also expected to be equipped with exhibits of technical monuments and industrial architecture from the Kolín region. According to Tichý, the timing of the work will depend on whether the city receives the grant. The former water tower is one of the town's landmarks. It is currently empty and not being utilized. It was built in 1930 as a work of architects František Janda and Jan Hráský. The original owner, a water management company, sold it to a private individual years ago, who then sold it to another interested party. In the meantime, the building fell into disrepair. Ultimately, it was acquired by the city.